• Toyota launches the Hilux pickup truck with a mild-hybrid diesel engine in Europe.

• Toyota states that the hybrid upgrade doesn’t affect the Hilux’s off-roading capabilities.

• Hilux is offered with the same diesel engine paired with 6-speed MT and 6-speed AT in India.

• We expect Toyota to introduce this mild-hybrid powertrain later down the line.

Japanese carmaker Toyota has introduced its lifestyle pickup truck, the Hilux, with a mild-hybrid powertrain for the European markets. It’s the first time the lifestyle pickup truck has been electrified and the same powertrain could be introduced in India at a later stage, probably with the next-gen model. Let’s take a look at the changes. 

The Euro-spec Hilux features a 48V mild-hybrid system paired with a 204PS 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. In India, the Hilux with the same engine can be had with either a 6-speed MT or a 6-speed automatic transmission option. It also comes with a 4WD drivetrain and is equipped with a low-range transfer case and limited slip differential.

Toyota mentions that the inclusion of the 48V hybrid system will enhance the fuel efficiency and driving performance of the Hilux. The carmaker also adds that this won’t affect the Hilux’s off-roading capabilities. Plus, the carmaker said it doesn’t compromise on its towing and payload capacity, which remain at 3500kg and 1000kg, respectively.

Although Toyota has not mentioned anything about its plan to introduce this mild hybrid system in India, we expect that they will launch it at a later stage. On our shores, the Hilux is priced from Rs 30.40 lakh and is a premium alternative to the Isuzu V-Cross.